Mustafa Johnson takes on leadership role of offensive line

The FAU senior center gave young lineman homework in offseason

March 18, 2013|By Dieter Kurtenbach, Sun Sentinel

BOCA RATON — FAU C Mustafa Johnson is an extremely likable guy. He's outgoing, funny and positive, but with the massive turnover on the FAU offensive line heading into the 2013 season, even he's found it tough getting to know all the new FAU offensive linemen.

FAU started spring practice Monday with Johnson being flanked by two new first-teamers, with senior Stern Vile at left guard and redshirt sophomore Mike Marsaille at right guard.

Add in the brewing battle between Branden Lyons and Vinny Davino for the top spot at right tackle, and the importance of spring camp can hardly be understated for the FAU offensive line.

With Andrew Czuprynski, Ricaldo Henry, Joseph Bailey and Jordan Sessa graduating, Johnson and starting left tackle De'Andre Williams knew they were going to have to take on a shepherd's role with the new players.

Johnson said he's taken on as much responsibility as possible to start his senior season. It's upon him, he said, to make sure the offensive line is the closest-knit group on the team. He went as far as assigning homework to his teammates in the offseason, testing their knowledge of the playbook.

He and his fellow senior linemen even walked the younger players though what the first practice would be like. That proved critical Monday, as the offensive line didn't fall behind after only one day of practice.

"We knew what the initial install was going to be today," Johnson said. So guys weren't thrown to the wolves today . . . they weren't too shocked out there — the speed was probably a problem for them — but at least they knew what their assignments were."